Chief Medical Examiner Rules Midshipman's Death a Suicide, According to Officials
In a statement released shortly before 10am, a spokesperson said "In the case for Kyle Philbert James, the manner is suicide and the cause is hydrogen sulfide intoxication." According to the National Library of Medicine, "Hydrogen sulfide toxicity typically results from gaseous exposure that initially acts as an irritant and later acts at the cellular level, inhibiting mitochondrial respiration.Hydrogen sulfide is a highly flammable, colorless, and toxic gas."
According to an article published by Report Annapolis News on October 11, 2025, Kyle Philbert James, a 20-year-old United States Naval Academy Midshipman from Whippany, NJ, was found deceased on Friday, October 10, 2025, one day after being reported missing by officials at the academy.
Midshipman James' family confirmed to Report Annapolis News that his remains were discovered near the campus. In an article published on October 16, 2025, Report Annapolis News stated "a source familiar with the investigation told Report Annapolis News that Midshipman James’ family was informed authorities found his remains at a campus-adjacent business."
"According to the source, officials have preliminarily characterized his death as the result of apparent self-inflicted injuries, though authorities have not confirmed this, as key questions about the circumstances remain unanswered," the article stated.
The academy has not responded to recent requests for comment.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, at around 5 p.m., Midshipman James’ family was notified by Naval Academy leadership that Midshipman James had missed all of his classes that day and was being considered missing due to the unusual circumstances of his absence. His mother last spoke with him earlier that morning, according to the news report shown here as published on the YouTube channel for WFSB 3.
During the evening of Friday, October 10, 2025, the Naval Academy contacted the family of Midshipman Second Class Kyle James to inform them that his remains had been found at a campus-adjacent business. Academy officials subsequently shared the news with the campus leadership:
"It is with great sadness that we inform you that yesterday we lost Midshipman 2/C Kyle Philbert James. He was a member of 36th company," the announcement said. "Our notification timing to the Brigade and to you was based out of respect to his family."
"The Naval Academy is deeply saddened to confirm that Midshipman Second Class (junior) Kyle Philbert James has passed. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation. Midshipman Philbert James was from Whippany, NJ, and 20 years old. He was a member of the 36th Company, a History major and participated with the USNA Gospel Choir," the academy said in a statement shortly after Midshipman James' passing. "The Midshipman Development Center, Chaplain’s Center and Chain of Command are available to provide counseling and support services to midshipmen, faculty and staff. It is painful to lose a member of our Naval Academy family, and as we attempt to better understand this tremendous loss, we offer our deepest condolences to Kyle James’ family, close friends, classmates and company mates during this extremely difficult time."
A celebration of life was held for Midshipman James earlier this month, according to an obituary where a graveside service and military honors which will be rendered by the United States Navy. "Kyle was a friend to all, compassionate and kind, always willing to help, and for all these qualities he was appreciated beyond measure and was grateful for all that was given to him," the obituary said. A scholarship has been created in his honor to support students of color at Whippany Park High School.
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